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Home > Skin & Beauty > Toners or Serums: Which Is Better for Dry Skin?

Toners or Serums: Which Is Better for Dry Skin?

Updated on June 22, 2023
9 min read
By Sarita Sanke, MD | Dermatology

In this article:

  • Why Are Serums Better Than Toners for Dry Skin?
  • Face Serums Versus Toners: What’s the Difference?
  • What Are Face Serums?
  • What Are Toners?
  • Benefits of Face Serums
  • Benefits of Toners
  • When Are Toners Good for Dry Skin?
  • Disadvantages of Using Skin Products
  • How to Use Face Serums and Toners?
  • Most-Asked Questions
  • Final Word

Serums and toners are two of the most well-known skin care items today. Both provide benefits to the skin and are typically used after washing the face with a cleanser but before applying a moisturizer.

toner vs serum: which is better for dry skin

When it comes to skin dryness, both toners and serums can be beneficial. There are toners and serums that are formulated specifically to tackle dry skin.

However, if you have to choose one for dry skin, a serum is generally better than a toner, according to skin care experts, professionals, and the majority of users.

Read on to find out why.

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Why Are Serums Better Than Toners for Dry Skin?

If you struggle with dry skin and have to choose between toners and serums, you might want to pick serums. Here’s why.

1. Contain high concentrations of hydrating ingredients

Serums are highly concentrated with active ingredients that can deeply penetrate the skin and provide intense hydration.

Ingredients that are specifically present in serums that address dryness include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and natural oils that can replenish moisture and improve the skin’s hydration levels. (1)

2. Do not have a drying effect

Serums have a lightweight and easily absorbable texture, which allows them to penetrate deeply into the skin, unlike some toners that can be astringent and drying, especially if alcohol based.

3. Strengthen the skin barrier

According to experts, many serums contain ingredients such as ceramides that aid in strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. A strong and intact skin barrier is crucial for maintaining the skin’s moisture levels and dissuading any water loss.

Face Serums Versus Toners: What’s the Difference?

key differences between face serums and toners

The primary distinction between face serums and toners lies in their active ingredient concentration; active ingredients are crucial for addressing various skin concerns. Serums are typically more expensive than toners because they contain a high concentration of active ingredients.

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The main function of toners is to cleanse the skin and restore its pH, while serums are designed to deliver active ingredients that target specific skin issues. (1)(2)(3)

What Are Face Serums?

Face serums are light, quick-absorbing skin care products that contain a high concentration of active ingredients that target various skin problems, such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. They come in oil-based and water-based formulations and are applied in small amounts with a dropper or pump dispenser.

Serums provide nourishment to the skin and safeguard against any damage caused by environmental stressors. They should be used after washing the skin and before applying a moisturizing agent or sunblock to maximize their benefits.

Incorporating a face serum into your skincare routine can improve the health and appearance of your skin. (1)

What Are Toners?

Face toners are an essential yet frequently overlooked element of skin care, as many individuals are not aware of their potential benefits. They are water-based cosmetic products that contain soothing ingredients such as peppermint, aloe vera, witch hazel, or guava, depending on the targeted skin type.

The primary function of a toner is to maintain the skin’s freshness without stripping away its natural moisture, making it a nonirritating option even for those with sensitive skin. (2)(4)(5)(6)

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As a result, toners can be a useful addition to the skin care routine of a wide range of individuals with varying skin types.

Benefits of Face Serums

benefits of face serums

Some of the significant advantages of using face serums are as follows.

1. Hydrate the skin

Hydrating components such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid are frequently included in face serum formulations, and these ingredients contribute to improved skin hydration and the prevention of dryness. (1)(7)

2. Reduce signs of skin aging

Certain face serums are equipped with antiaging elements, such as retinol, vitamin C, and peptides, which aid in minimizing the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, and other age-related signs on the skin. (8)(9)

3. Brighten the skin

Serum ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide can contribute to a more even skin tone and decrease the visibility of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. (9)(10)

4. Control acne

Acne prevention and control of breakouts can be achieved through the utilization of face serums that contain salicylic acid and niacinamide. (11)(12)

Benefits of Toners

benefits of facial toners

Skin toners can provide several benefits to the skin, which are backed by research evidence. Here are the various uses of toners.

1. Prevent breakouts

One of the main benefits of toners is that they can rejuvenate the skin’s natural pH, which can help to reduce the appearance of pores and prevent acne issues.

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A study on witch hazel toner supported the same claims. (2)

2. Hydrate the skin

Toners can also help to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture, and these effects are especially beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin. (4)

3. Improve skin texture and regulate sebum production

A study found that the regular use of a guava toner significantly reduced sebum production in the skin, leading to an improvement in overall skin health. These findings highlighted the importance of using toners, especially those formulated with beneficial ingredients such as guava extract, to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. (6)

When Are Toners Good for Dry Skin?

A study found that toners can be effective in improving skin hydration when used in combination with other moisturizers, particularly creams.

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Specifically, the study observed that when toner was used in combination with cream, significantly higher levels of skin hydration were observed compared to when cream was used alone. This result suggested that toner can play a supportive role in improving the effectiveness of other moisturizers. (4)

Disadvantages of Using Skin Products

disadvantages of using skin products

Although cosmetics are generally safe for use, they can have negative side effects. The most common health risks associated with their use are allergic reactions, facial stinging, redness, and dermatitis.

Allergens in skin care products may include added ingredients such as scents, preservatives, and dyes. (13)

How to Use Face Serums and Toners?

Here are the general steps for using face serums and toners in your skin care routine:

  1. Cleanse your face with a gentle facial cleanser.
  2. Dry your skin using a clean cloth.
  3. Apply toner to a cotton pad or ball.
  4. Gently move this cotton piece evenly on your face.
  5. Take a little quantity of serum on your fingertips.
  6. Gently massage the serum on your face.
  7. Apply a moisturizer afterward to lock in hydration.

Note: It is recommended to patch test new products on a small area of skin before applying them to your entire face to avoid any potential adverse reactions.

Most-Asked Questions

Are toners the same as astringents?

No, toners and astringents are not the same thing.

What is the recommended usage frequency for face serums?

The frequency of use can differ based on the serum type and skin type, but, generally, dermatologists suggest using face serums once or twice a day, typically after cleansing and toning the skin.

Research indicates that using a serum with hyaluronic acid twice daily for 8 weeks can improve skin texture and hydration. (14)

Can face serums cause skin irritation?

In rare cases, some people may encounter skin irritation or allergic responses to certain elements in face serums.

Are face serums appropriate for all skin types?

Most face serums are developed to work for all skin types.

Final Word

Serums are light, concentrated formulas that are designed to provide active ingredients deeply into the skin to fight various skin problems such as dryness. Toners, on the other hand, are typically used to maintain the pH of your skin and keep the skin clean. (1)

References
  1. Werschler WP, Trookman NS, Rizer RL, Ho ET, Mehta R. Enhanced efficacy of a facial hydrating serum in subjects with normal or self-perceived dry skin. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011;4(2):51-55.
  2. Rodan K, Fields K, Falla TJ. Efficacy of a twice-daily, 3-step, over-the-counter skincare regimen for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:3-9. Published 2017 Jan 4. doi:10.2147/CCID.S125438.
  3. Sonti S, Makino ET, Garruto JA, Gruber JV, Rao S, Mehta RC. Efficacy of a novel treatment serum in the improvement of photodamaged skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2013;35(2):156-162. doi:10.1111/ics.12018.
  4. Yuanxi L, Wei H, Lidan X, Li L. Comparison of skin hydration in combination and single use of common moisturizers (cream, toner, and spray water). J Cosmet Sci. 2016;67(3):175-183.
  5. Pandey A, Jatana GK, Sonthalia S. Cosmeceuticals. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544223/.
  6. Pongsakornpaisan P, Lourith N, Kanlayavattanakul M. Anti-sebum efficacy of guava toner: A split-face, randomized, single-blind placebo-controlled study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(6):1737-1741. doi:10.1111/jocd.12943.
  7. Draelos ZD, Diaz I, Namkoong J, Wu J, Boyd T. Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(4):1385-1394. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00566-0.
  8. Zasada M, Budzisz E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443.
  9. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. Published 2017 Aug 12. doi:10.3390/nu9080866.
  10. Levin J, Momin SB. How much do we really know about our favorite cosmeceutical ingredients?. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010;3(2):22-41.
  11. Lu J, Cong T, Wen X, et al. Salicylic acid treats acne vulgaris by suppressing AMPK/SREBP1 pathway in sebocytes. Exp Dermatol. 2019;28(7):786-794. doi:10.1111/exd.13934.
  12. Walocko FM, Eber AE, Keri JE, Al-Harbi MA, Nouri K. The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment. Dermatol Ther. 2017;30(5):10.1111/dth.12481. doi:10.1111/dth.12481.
  13. © 2018 JETIR October 2018, volume 5, issue 10 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349 … https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRFH06101.pdf.
  14. Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):308-319. doi:10.4161/derm.22804.
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